PAKISTAN READER

Photo : Dawn

PTI releases list of candidates for elections

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #45
PTI releases list of candidates for elections
On 13 January, Dawn reported that in light of concerns about the continued use of its ‘bat’ emblem, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released a list of its candidates for 234 of the 266 National Assembly seats up for votes in the forthcoming general elections. The party’s central secretariat issued the list, which has 20 women and 20 advocates on it. In addition to several well-known PTI officials and former lawmakers, the lineup also includes a few new faces, such as eminent attorneys Sardar Latif Khosa and Salman Akram Raja. Dawn was informed by PTI Information Secretary Rauf Hassan that the list might be changed in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision over the designation of the ‘bat’ emblem. Hassan stated: “We can go for both plans, allies and independent candidates.” Subsequently, a party spokesperson, however, informed Dawn that the party had previously made changes with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWM) and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC-Sherani) and that these organizations’ candidates had also been changed in the PTI's list of candidates. Notable attorneys on the PTI's list of candidates for the election include Barrister Gohar Ali Khan of Buner, Latif Khosa of Lahore-VI, Salman Akram Raja of Lahore-XII, Shoaib Shaheen of Islamabad-II, and Sher Afzal Marwat of Lakki Marwat. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PTI brings forth lawyers, leaders’ relatives for polls,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

“Democracy is a fundamental right” says CJP Isa
On 13 January, Dawn reported that according to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, every citizen is entitled to vote for the political party of their choosing, and every member of any political party is also granted this fundamental right, which, if taken away, would result in dictatorship. While taking up the appeal by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) challenging Peshawar High Court’s (PHC), the CJP stated: “Democracy is a fundamental right, which should be practiced both in the country as well as the political party.” Separately, the chief election commissioner and other ECP members were served notices by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to respond to a contempt plea that the PTI had filed against them for failing to follow the high court’s ruling in the intra-party polling matter. Pointing to senior attorney Makhdoom Ali Khan, who was representing ECP, CJP Isa questioned whether the ECP was favoring PTI by supervising its internal polls and if other political parties were receiving the same treatment. CJP stated: “We are only concerned whether the commission was guilty of pick and choose or not.” (Waseem Ahmad Shah and Nasir Iqbal, “Denying voting right will lead to dictatorship, warns CJP,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

PTI to use ‘batsman’ symbol as a backup plan
On 13 January, Dawn reported that the crippled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which is anticipating that it would lose its electoral symbol ‘bat,’ has devised a backup plan by forming an alliance with its split PTI-Nazriati group to utilize the ‘batsman’ symbol for its candidates. Dawn reported that a source in the PTI had informed: “After the Election Commission of Pakistan went to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Peshawar High Court, the party’s leadership mulled over the option for an alternative electoral symbol.” The source further added that the electoral symbols ‘bat’ and ‘batsman’ are similar, and therefore it would be easier for the voters to identify with PTI and vote. Meanwhile, another source stated: “The chairman of PTI-Nazriati, Akhtar Iqbal Dar, has agreed to issue tickets to PTI’s candidates on the symbol of the batsman.” (Nabeel Anwar Dhakku, “With ‘bat’ in danger, PTI looks to ‘batsman,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

 PML-Q accuses PML-N of applying double standards
On 13 January, Dawn reported that Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML-Q) had chosen to run alone in the elections on 8 February after accusing the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) of applying double standards and failing to ‘honor’ the seat adjustment formula. There was talk that the two parties would form an alliance and that PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif would not run candidates in four National Assembly and eight Punjab Assembly seats to give PML-Q an advantage in the elections since the two met on 6 December 2023. The Q-League was displeased with the PML-N’s decision to withhold their candidates from running against Chaudhry Shujaat’s sons, Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain in Gujrat. The leaders of PML-Q met right away and decided to sever their electoral partnership with PML-N. The Sharifs, however, are reportedly trying to alleviate their concerns. Salik tweeted that, “the PML-N should also issue its party tickets to its candidates against me and my brother Chaudhry Shafay Hussain as we are ready for the electoral clash without any seat adjustment with the PML-N.” (Mansoor Malik, “Panicked’ by ‘N’ decision, Q-League breaks alliance,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

Supreme Court to hear ECP’s appeal against PHC
On 13 January, The Express Tribune reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) appeal against the Peshawar High Court's (PHC) decision to reinstate the PTI's ‘bat’ election symbol was taken up by the Supreme Court. Citing discrepancies in the PTI’s internal polls, the PHC had overturned the ECP’s decision to withdraw the party’s beloved electoral emblem. On 12 January, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa drew attention to the fact that the high court had, in its ruling, mandated that the PTI be given its electoral symbol and certificate, but had not yet announced the results of its internal elections. (“SC resumes hearing of ECP's plea against PHC order restoring PTI's 'bat',” The Express Tribune, 13 January 2024)
 
JUDICIARY
Federal government contemplates appeal against Afiya Shehrbano Zia judgment
On 12 January, the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, stated that the federal government was reportedly considering filing an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the 2023 Afiya Shehrbano Zia judgment. This ruling determined that judges who retire or resign, fall outside the scope of Article 209 of the Constitution, which pertains to the misconduct of superior court judges. The SJC, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, decided to postpone further proceedings to 15 January, citing an impending election matter. The AGP had previously raised objections, arguing that the division bench’s decision in the Afiya Shehrbano Zia case was made prematurely without proper notice and amid legislative changes. (Nasir Iqbal, “Govt to appeal SC ruling hindering Supreme Judicial Council action against former judges,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

Two judges of the Supreme Court resign in a matter of days
On 13 January, Dawn in an editorial titled “Shock exit” explained how Justice Ijazul Ahsan’s abrupt resignation from the Supreme Court, amid a “period of unprecedented crisis,” raises concerns about potential implications. The resignation is shocking as he was set to become the Chief Justice in October this year. The editorial notes that his resignation followed the abrupt departure of another Supreme Court judge, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. While some view these resignations as the end of the “like-minded group’s” influence, others suggest punitive motives related to “jurisprudential leanings.” The editorial urges a nuanced understanding in the “interest of fairness,” pointing out that “it seems wrong to club Justices Ahsan and Naqvi together.” The internal discord within the judiciary, exemplified by Justice Ahsan's dissatisfaction, highlights potential controversies and emphasizes the need for an inclusive environment to ensure a just legal system. (Editorial, “Shock exit,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)
 
SECURITY
Two terrorists killed in North Waziristan
On 13 January, Dawn reported that according to Inter-Services Public Relations Pakistan (ISPR) two militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the district of North Waziristan. In a statement, the ISPR stated that the investigation was carried out due to rumors that there were militants in the district. According to the report, Abdullah Khadri and Khalid were the two militants. ISPR added that the terrorists that were killed were engaged in target killings among other terrorist acts. ISPR stated, “Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.” (“Two militants killed in N. Waziristan, says ISPR,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)
 
ECONOMY
IMF says Pakistan’s economy is stable but challenges persist
On 13 January, Dawn reported that a favorable assessment of Pakistan’s economic reform program led to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board's decision to provide the nation with around USD 700 million. IMF added the economy is still facing difficulties even if it has stabilized, provided that sensible measures are carried out. With a two per cent increase predicted for FY24, macroeconomic conditions have improved. Strong revenues in the first quarter of FY24 helped to strengthen the fiscal situation and achieve a primary surplus of 0.4 per cent of GDP. Even if inflation is high, it should drop to 18.5 per cent by the end of June 2024 with a suitably tight monetary policy. The exchange rate stayed steady and the State Bank of Pakista’'s (SBP) gross reserves climbed to USD 8.2 billion in December 2023. (Anwar Iqbal “Economy stable, but challenges persist: IMF,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

Foreign aid in Pakistan
On 13 January, Shahid Mehmood in an opinion in Dawn titled “Foreign aid is no panacea” scrutinized the impact of foreign aid on Pakistan. Mehmood questions the accuracy of aid reporting stating that there is no way of ascertaining how much aid has actually flowed into Pakistan precisely because some of them have happened “off the books.” Applying criteria from MIT and economists Millikan and Rostow, he argues, “Pakistan does not meet even a single criterion” for aid effectiveness, highlighting the absence of sustainable development. Criticizing the economic outcomes, Mehmood notes, “Pakistan’s economy finds itself saddled with huge external liabilities,” emphasizing the negative net flow of over USD 50 billion in the 21st century. He concludes by urging a reassessment of foreign aid policies for the benefit of Pakistan’s economic well-being, stating, “this needs to change for Pakistan’s sake.” (Shahid Mehmood, “Foreign aid is no panacea,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)
 
EXTERNAL
Pakistan’s economic prospects for 2024
On 13 January, Shahid Kardar in an opinion in Dawn titled “2024: Rocky road ahead” dissects Pakistan’s economic prospects for 2024, questioning whether “possible rising tide from improved growth prospects will lift all boats.” Despite positive indicators, Kardar’s stark observation that “unemployment rates and poverty levels are rising,” underscores the challenges faced by the public. The opinion anticipates Pakistan’s return to the IMF for the 24th time, with Kardar predicting “more excruciating stabilization and austerity.” Criticizing structural issues, Kardar stresses that a qualitative fiscal correction is required as “resources are being increasingly absorbed in the maintenance of state operations.” The urgent call for long-overdue reforms is amplified, acknowledging Kardar's assertion that “the task ahead is a massive and long-drawn painful one.” (Shahid Kardar, “2024: Rocky road ahead,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)
 
AF-PAK
Maulana Fazlur Rehman concludes “highly successful” Afghanistan visit
On 12 January, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F), described his recent visit to Afghanistan as “highly successful,” confirming that he met with the Afghan Taliban chief, Haibatullah Akhundzada, in Kandahar. Rehman, the first Pakistani leader to meet the reclusive Taliban chief, held talks with various top Afghan Taliban leaders, including the interim prime minister, defense minister, foreign minister, interior minister, and refugee’s minister. While the Pakistani government distanced itself from the visit, sources suggest Fazlur Rehman received a briefing on Pakistan’s stance before traveling to Kabul. The visit aimed to address issues between the two countries, and Fazlur Rehman emphasized the readiness of the Pakistani nation to cooperate with Afghanistan. Afghan leaders expressed concerns about the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, emphasizing the need for extended stays. The visit is seen as potentially contributing to positive changes in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. (Kamran Yousuf, “Fazl terms Afghan rendezvous ‘successful’,” The Express Tribune, 12 January 2024; “Fazl’s visit catalyst for improved Pak-Afghan ties: Mulla Baradar,” The News International, 13 January 2024)

Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Afghan visit and Pakistan’s TTP dilemma
On 13 January, The News International published an editorial titled “Maulana’s visit,” centred around JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent Afghanistan visit, from which Pakistan has been “distancing” itself. The editorial states that the Foreign Office clarified that Rehman's visit was not sanctioned by the government, emphasizing that Maulana was “briefed by the foreign ministry on Pakistan’s official Afghan policy” before the trip. Maulana has “consistently” been trying to get both countries to “form a commission to solve the bilateral problems” through the tools of “dialogue and mutual understanding.” Further, the editorial notes that in the context of Pakistani accusations of an increase in cross-border attacks, Afghanistan’s deputy prime minister reassured that the Taliban regime “would not allow Afghan soil to be used against anyone.” In contrast, as per the editorial, amid increasing TTP attacks, Pakistan “has been consistent about not holding dialogue with the TTP,” highlighting the TTP’s responsibility for terrorist incidents. Citing security challenges with 271 attacks in the first half of 2023, the editorial calls for a robust anti-terrorism policy, advising that the “Pakistani state keeps a hard line on dialogue with the TTP” to avoid the risk of them regrouping. (Editorial, “Maulana’s visit,” The News International, 13 January 2024)
 
WORLD VIEW
The “explosive” Red Sea situation
On 13 January, Dawn in an editorial titled “Attack on Yemen” highlighted the “already explosive” situation in the Red Sea, stating that “the first shots in a long, ugly war have likely been fired” with the US and UK attacking the Houthi targets in Yemen on 11 January. In response to the Houthis blocking maritime routes, the US had earlier formed a naval coalition to “protect” shipping, but this failed to deter the Yemeni group. The attacks led by the US and the UK causing fatalities, has been termed “a major escalation,” with the Houthis promising retaliation. The editorial notes the unpredictability of the Houthi reaction, emphasizing that an immediate reversal of the situation in the Middle East seems impossible.(Editorial, “Attack on Yemen,” Dawn, 13 January 2024)

Disinformation a global threat to democracies and economies
On 13 January, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Disinformation in AI era” asserts that world leaders are now increasingly seeing “disinformation as the biggest threat to democracies around the world and also to the global economy.” It notes the evolution of disinformation, mentioning that the existence of deep fakes and AI-based content has made its proliferation easier. The editorial highlights a specific case in Pakistan, stating that “AI was recently used to simulate imprisoned former PM Imran Khan’s likeness and voice for an online political rally.” Addressing the impact on democratic elections, it warns that “disinformation  spreads like wildfire,” distorting public opinion and undermining trust in institutions. The editorial emphasizes the urgent need to combat disinformation and calls for increased transparency and accountability from governments, social media companies, and political parties. It also stresses the importance of interventions promoting “digital literacy and critical thinking skills” among citizens. (Editorial, “Disinformation in AI era,” The Express Tribune, 13 January 2024)

“Enemies of Pakistan’s development tried their best to suppress Maryam Nawaz, she didn’t give up and kept fighting fearlessly for justice. She won in the end. Good luck my fearless and gutsy leader MaryamNSharif for #Elections2024.  NA-119 and PP-159 belongs to you!” - Saad Kaiser “Chairman BBhuttoZardari is set to deliver a compelling address in Bahawalpur today, highlighting his dedication to the development of Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.” - Azam Joyo A J “Participating in the Bahawalpur rally, I commend the achievements and projects of the Pakistan People's Party. On this occasion, I express my views and commitment to contribute to social and economic progress through advocacy and publicity.” - Syed Moiz

“Inflation has cast a shadow on every sphere of life.” - An opinion in Dawn, ‘Social breakdown’